Graeme Milburn AM, O.A.M

Graeme has always been one of the State's top cyclists in his class. Using this skill, he now raises money for many worthwhile causes (Cancer Challenge being the most prominent).

My Story:

28 years ago I did something STUPID, I rode around Tasmania for Cancer Research because I lost a dear friend to the dreaded disease. A ONCE only ride, and so I created my own monster!

In 1989 I rode around Australia, 17,000 klms for the Australian Aids Trust, to make the people aware that Aids was 'everyone's problem'. In doing so I became the only person to ride solo around Tasmania - and mainland Australia on a continuous day by day, and be recorded in each city as I went. For this I was presented with a special certificate of thanks from the Aids trust, signed by Sir Bill Hayden, Governer General of Australia.

In 1988 I was awarded the <strong>"Order of Australia Medal" (OAM</strong>), personally, by her majesty Queen ElizabethIn 1988 I was awarded the "Order of Australia Medal" (OAM), personally, by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for 'Services to the Community'.

In 1989 I was also awarded the Peter MacCallum Award for service to Cancer Research. Shortly after I was awarded Lion's Internationals highest award, "The Melvin Jones Fellow Award", an honour for any Lion's member, and even more so for a 'non Lion member'.

In 1985 I became involved with the World T.E.A.M. Sports (The Exceptional Athlete Matters). In this case the disabled and disadvantaged of the world. I was invited to become a core leader for a ride around the world, with, and for the disabled, to highlight that the disabled have abilities as well disabilities. It was four years in the planning and $5,500,000.00 in cost and kind. We were on the road for 8 months, 23,000 klms, and through 17 countries. "The AXA World Ride '95" was a great success, a full length movie documentary was made, and this won a Golden Globe Award. I was the only Australian invited.

In 1998-99 I was TASMANIAN OF THE YEAR.

Again in 1998 I was invited to be a team leader in a back to Vietnam peace mission. "The Vietnam Challenge" was organised by the American Vietnam Vets, and the Vietnam Government, to bring together in peace those who were each others' enemy. The Vietnam Challenge was a 3 week trip down Highway One, visiting battle zones, paying respect to the fallen, remembering past buddies, and burying old hatreds. It was a very worthwhile and emotional journey. Two years in the planning, $2,500,000 in cost and kind.

The following year I was invited to take part in the Lance Armstrong "Ride For Life" cancer weekend, in Austin, Texas.

The year of the Centenary I was awarded the Australian Medal (AM) for services to humanity and the community.

The year 2002 I was invited to go to New York for a Remembrance Ride for those who lost their lives in the tragic events of SEPT 11, 2001. This ride commenced at "Ground Zero" on the 20th of September, and finished outside the Pentagon, Washington DC, 3 days & 460 klms later. I/we rode alongside 1500 family and friends of those lost, and were able to listen to their stories.

The year 2000 I was elected as an Alderman to the Devonport City Council, where I served 5 years.

Commencing 22nd March 2010 will be my 29th year riding for Cancer Research in Tasmania - 12 days and about 1100 klms on the road and roller ride exhibitions.